MLB Player News

Turner was removed from Monday's Grapefruit League game versus the Tigers after being hit in the face by a pitch, Pete Abraham of The Boston Globe reports.

A pitch in the bottom of the first inning got away from Tigers right-hander Matt Manning, striking Turner. He eventually walked off the field with a trainer, holding a bloody towel to his face. The Red Sox should offer an update on Turner's condition before long.

Lewis started at designated hitter and went 0-for-3 with a strikeout in Sunday's spring game against Cleveland.

Lewis made his spring debut after dealing with leg issues early in camp. It sounds like the Diamondbacks gave the 27-year-old outfielder, who is coming off a variety of knee injuries the last two seasons, extra preparation more than it was Lewis experiencing anything serious. He could remain a DH-only deployment in the short term before the 2020 AL Rookie of the Year gets a look in the field. Lewis gives the Diamondbacks a right-handed bench bat amid a lefty-dominant lineup.

Astros manager Dusty Baker told reporters that Brantley (shoulder, personal) will hit second when in the lineup this season, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Jeremy Pena hit second for most of last year, but it's worth pointing out that was with Brantley missing a large portion of the season because of shoulder surgery. "If Brantley is in the lineup, Brantley is No. 2 ... I know Pena's been good, but Pena ain't been good as long as Brantley," Baker said. The veteran outfielder is away from the club now to deal with a personal matter, but a chance to hit second in the quality Houston lineup certainly doesn't hurt Brantley's fantasy potential.

Encarnacion-Strand has been one of the early stars in Reds camp this spring, highlighted by a long homer Saturday against A's starter Drew Rucinski, Bobby Nightengale of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports. He's had seven hits in 11 at-bats so far, with two homers and a double among those hits.

Encarnacion-Strand has been spending most of his time in spring training games at first base, and that appears to be his ultimate destination, as the Reds are deep in prospects on the left side of the infield. He had a brilliant season at the plate last year between Double-A and High-A, hitting .304/.368/.587. While there's some question whether his hit tool will translate at higher levels, he's made quite an impression so far this spring.

Astros manager Dusty baker told reporters Sunday that Alvarez (hand) still hasn't resumed swinging, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Alvarez is dealing with discomfort in his left hand, and while it's been widely reported that the slugger is expected to be ready for Opening Day, it's obviously a bit concerning that he hasn't resumed swinging at this point. After a dominant 2022 campaign, the 25-year-old is deserving of a high selection in all eligible formats, but the injury concern is something managers have to be cognizant of before making the pick.

Vientos went 3-for-4 with two home runs and five RBI in Saturday's Grapefruit League game against the Marlins.

Getting the start at third base and hitting second in the order, Vientos launched a two-run shot off minor-league reliever Justin Evans in the fourth inning before taking potential Miami closer Dylan Floro deep in the fifth for a three-run blast, with both homers being no-doubters to straightaway center field. Vientos doesn't appear to have much of a chance at winning the starting job at the hot corner for Opening Day with both Eduardo Escobar and Brett Baty ahead of him in the pecking order, but he's doing what he can to win a spot on the big-league bench. The 23-year-old prospect has gone 7-for-21 to begin his spring, with four of the hits (two doubles plus Saturday's home runs) going for extra bases.

Cabrera went 1-for-3 with a two-run home run in Saturday's Grapefruit League game against the Blue Jays.

The home run was the first of the spring for the veteran, who likely will see his Grapefruit League playing time managed carefully the rest of the way as he ramps up for his 19th MLB season. Cabrera said during the offseason that 2023 will be his last season before he retires. The 39-year-old has managed to hit .250 or better each of the last five seasons, though his power has mostly evaporated, which has drastically cut into his fantasy appeal.

Lewis (leg) will make his spring training debut Sunday against Cleveland, Theo Mackie of The Arizona Republic reports.

The 27-year-old will serve as the D-backs' designated hitter for his first few appearances before eventually working his way back into the outfield mix. Lewis slashed just .143/.226/.304 over 64 major-league plate appearances last season while battling injuries for most of the year, and his 2020 AL Rookie of the Year campaign is getting further in the rearview mirror.

Brantley (shoulder) is away from Astros camp while dealing with a family matter, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Brantley has yet to play in any Grapefruit League games as he takes things slowly following last August's shoulder surgery. This personal matter will halt his rehab, presumably briefly. The hope is that the 35-year-old will be ready in time for Opening Day.

Soler hit second in Thursday's Grapefruit League game against the Nationals, going 2-for-3 with his first home run of the spring, and Marlins manager Skip Schumaker indicated he likes having a hitter with some power in that spot in the batting order, Jordan McPherson of The Miami Herald reports.

The 31-year-old mostly hit third last year for ex-manager Don Mattingly when he was healthy, but Soler could move even higher on Schumaker's lineup card. His 10.9 percent walk rate over the last two seasons is certainly acceptable for the top of the order, but Soler will likely need to improve his .218 batting average to fully take advantage of the assignment. Hitting second would add a bit more fantasy intrigue to a player who's only suited up for 221 games since 2021, but slugged 40 homers in them.